Why Everton deal for Tyrique George isn't all it seems as Chelsea agreement finalised

Everton have confirmed the permanent signing of Tyrique George from Chelsea, but the reported fee does not quite tell the whole story.

George had been widely reported to be close to joining Everton prior to the official announcement dropping on Monday afternoon.

The England Under-21s international spent a period on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium last season.

While George did not exactly set things alight, he clearly did enough to impress David Moyes.

Everton are reported to be paying Chelsea up to £24million for the winger.

However, the words "up to" are doing a lot of lifting in that sentence amid a new update that has been shared.

'Real fee' emerges for Tyrique George at Everton

George made 11 appearances for Everton last season and failed to register a single goal or assist.

There is clearly a talented player in there, though, which explains why Everton wanted him permanently.

As per The Times' Paul Joyce via X on Monday, Everton are 'only' paying Chelsea £18m upfront.

The various adds-ons could then take it to the £24m figure that has been more widely reported.

Everton will not mind stumping up that additional seven million should it mean George has been a success.

How much were Everton originally set to pay Chelsea for George?

Everton had the option to automatically trigger a clause in George's loan agreement to sign the Englishman permanently.

The Toffees declined to do so before the deadline, instead taking the choice to negotiate with Chelsea.

Joyce also reported that Everton would have paid Chelsea £25m had they not negotiated.

And it may well have been that fee was all upfront, so it has proved wise business to back away and renegotiate.

George - hailed an "amazing" player by ex-Chelsea teammate Levi Colwill - may not have been a roaring success last season, but he could yet prove to be a major hit on Merseyside.

With deals for Merlin Rohl and George now sealed, plus the exciting addition of Hayden Hackney, Everton's squad is starting to take shape.